Danny Macaskill, trials rider: "Industrial Revolutions"

This is not a recumbent. But it's still pretty darn cool.

Danny Macaskill, trials rider, in "Industrial Revolutions"
Go here:
http://vimeo.com/30043673

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Cycle Touring - nice info. site

These two cyclists put together a very nice site about their tour around the world.  Recommended for others considering long distance tours.

http://www.grandcycletour.com/index.html

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Santa's new sleigh.

From our friends at HP Velotechnik.  That looks like a Scorpion fs.

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Data shows cycling grows in NYC once again.

Everyone who has been riding for a while knows commuter cycling keeps increasing.  But when you're presenting to city council and community boards, this data will be useful:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/75157842/Commuter-Cycling-Indicator-and-Data-2011


Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Camping Gear: DIY fire starter / Ultralight Packlist / Down Jackets

Here are a few neat little articles of interest to cyclists doing multi-day rides and backpackers.  These were gleaned from the recent Gossamer Gear newsletter (www.gossamergear.com)

Ultralight Packlist w/ Descriptions
by Mike Clelland
This was written for backpackers, but useful for cyclists. Simply ignore the stuff aimed at hikers and translate the rest over to the bike.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/mike_clelland_weekly_tip.html

Cheap, good fire starter
by Jermm
http://jjmatheshikes.blogspot.com/2011/11/i-like-fire-and-im-always-interested-in.html#more

Ultralight shopping-- Down Jackets
from Guthook Hikes
http://guthook.blogspot.com/2011/12/ultralight-shopping-down-jackets.html


Best,

Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

When should you order your new recumbent bike? Plan Spring 2012 orders now.

When should you order your new recumbent bike?  If you intend to begin riding in March, order your new recumbent in January or February.

For riders who want a custom-built bent, or if you're ordering a European recumbent, you can save money by allowing yourself time.

Examples

For Volae, special orders take usually two to three weeks:
- two to four days to order and pull the parts
- a week to ship
- a week in New York for assembly and quality control
Total delivery time: three weeks till you're riding.

For HP Velotechnik, if you allow yourself time, we can ship your bike from Germany by surface.  That will save you about $130 or so off express (air) delivery.  Here is the usual timing with standard shipping:
- three weeks to build the bike
- one additional week for custom colors
- three weeks to ship the bike (by surface)
- one week in NYC for finishing and quality control.
Total delivery time: eight weeks till you're riding.

With HP Velotechnik, if you need the bike faster, order a standard color and express shipping:
- three weeks to build the bike
- one week to ship the bike (by air, express, with surcharge)
- one week in NYC for finishing and quality control.
Total delivery time: five weeks till you're riding.

With HP Velo's Gekko and Gekko fx, you can be riding one of the USA editions in about two weeks. For German editions, it still takes about five weeks.

When do you want your new recumbent?  In New York City, typically, the weather begins to clear in March so we can start riding regularly.  For March deliveries, order in January or February.

All best,
Robert


------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Prospect Park - toeing the line and avoiding tickets.

The Prospect Park Peloton listserv has been actively discussing safety issues and recent enforcement strategies in Prospect Park.  Long and short: if you ride in Prospect Park, obey the vehicular road rules.  Among other things, that means stopping for red lights, and yielding to pedestrians ALWAYS.

Brooklyn Cyclist Daniel Wiener posted this note.  If you ride in the park, you're well advised to read and respect it.  And yield to pedestrians.

2a. Park Enforcement - What I've learned Posted by: "Daniel P Wiener" Fri Dec 2, 2011 9:13 am (PST)
I have had a conversation with an old and good friend of mine who is very high up in the parks hierarchy and here's what he told me about the current situation in PP. . What's happening in PP is almost identical to what happened in Central Park four years ago. At that time, there were some bike/pedestrian accidents around 79th Street and the West Side as cyclists got a lot of speed coming down the long descent from the North. . The issue in PP, if you haven't been paying attention, is near the base of the hill on the South end, where there is a playground on the right-hand side of the road-hence the orange barrels as an attempt slow people down and make them more aware. . The Parks Dept. says that two bike/pedestrian accidents is the trigger. That, and of course, being sued by one of the women who was hit. A couple of other things. Much as you and I will argue this until we are blue in the face, bikes are considered vehicles and we are subject to vehicular laws even if cars and other vehicles are prevented from being in the park. We are vehicles. So, the speed limit in the park is 25 mph. Go faster than that, and you can get a ticket. Vehicle laws also say that the vehicle must ALWAYS yield to pedestrians. Even if the pedestrian is wearing headphones, walking forward while looking backward, darting out from behind a trash barrel or tree, playing touch football in the road, whatever-WE MUST YIELD. As vehicles we will NEVER be in the right. To that end, the enforcement is going to be very harsh on all crosswalks. It will be up to the individual police whether they issue summonses for going through the red lights, but the red lights will remain "a tool" (as my friend said) that they can use if they want to crack down. The summonses we/you will see will most likely be "failure to yield" and "running a red light" summonses. What does this mean? Essentially, if you are riding and there is ANYONE in a crosswalk, even if you are in the right lane and they are all the way over the in the left lane, you can and will be summonsed for "failure to yield." Read this sentence again. The crosswalks are the flash points-period! In particular, the police are going to be very, very observant of those wearing full racing kits-the more they match, the more you will stand out. I might behoove everyone to buy a couple pair of black tights, black jackets, or whatever, so that you blend in. Wanna wear your kits? Fine. But just know that you are going to be a moving target. Ultimately, according to my buddy, the PD and Parks are going to be looking for this to go away. No more close calls, no more yelling "get the f. out of the way!," no more speeds over 25 mph, and hopefully, no more bike/pedestrian clashes. For those of you old enough to remember Hill Street Blues, the opening scene of the police roll call always ended with Sergeant Phil Esterhuas telling his guys "Hey, let's be careful out there." For you nostalgia types . http://bit.ly/urrg5Q DPW



The rules for pedestrians was posted from "begawk1" (who?).  This is worth knowing, but realize that peds rule the roost on NYC streets.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/trafrule.pdfSection 4-04 PEDESTRIANS (a) Pedestrians subject to traffic rules, except as otherwise provided herein. Pedestrians shall be subject to traffic control signals and pedestrian control signals as provided in ??4-03 (a) and 4-03(b) of these rules and to the lawful orders and directions of any law enforcement officer, but at all other places pedestrians shall be accorded the privileges and shall be subject to the restrictions stated in this section. (b) Right of way in crosswalks. (1) Operators to yield to pedestrians in crosswalk. When traffic control signals or pedestrian control signals are not in place or not in operation, the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is in the path of the vehicle or is approaching so closely thereto as to be in danger. (2) Pedestrians shall not cross in front of oncoming vehicles. Notwithstanding the provisions of (1) of this subdivision (b), no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the operator to yield. (3) Vehicles stopped for pedestrians. Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the operator of any other vehicle approaching from the rear in the same or adjacent lanes shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle. (c) Restrictions on crossings. (1) No pedestrian shall enter or cross a roadway at any point where signs, fences, barriers, or other devices are erected to prohibit or restrict such crossing or entry. (2) No pedestrian shall cross any roadway at an intersection except within a crosswalk. (3) No pedestrian shall cross a roadway except at a crosswalk on any block in which traffic control signals are in operation at both intersections bordering the block. (d) Operators to exercise due care. Notwithstanding other provisions of these rules, the operator of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. (e) Hitch-hiking and soliciting prohibited.

# # #

Best,
Robert

------------

Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Rain gear for touring on a bent - Q & A

On Thu, November 10, 2011 8:57 am, Wylie G___ wrote:
> Do you use a large poncho that covers you and much of the bike to ride in
> the rain so that the bike doesn't get as wet?
> A guy I just met who biked to NY from Toronto used one he got in Niagara
> Falls to ride in the rain but he was on a regular bike.
> Just curious what your strategy is to keep the seat dry and keep
> components from getting wet if possible.
> Best,
> Wylie
> READ @ http://www.couchsurfingcook.com
> LIKE @ http://www.facebook.com/couchsurfingcook
> FOLLOW on Twitter @ couchsurfngcook

Hi Wylie,

Generally, rain won't hurt the bike, though fine grit and salt spray can (e.g., volcanic dust/mud and water from the sea or salted roads).  On a bent, a poncho blows up over one's face.  In cold rain or cold wind, I'll wear a rain coat and rain pants whether it's a standard frame bike or bent.  If it's a cool rain, I'll wear wool or fleece to stay "warm wet."  In a warm rain I'll just wear my standard riding clothes since if it's too warm, I'll simply get soaked with sweat in the waterproof rain gear.  For me, I can get wet from sweat regardless of how good the rain barrier is -- Gortex, eVent, etc.

Equally important are hand and foot protection -- I use rain shell mittens and water proof socks.
http://www.rei.com/category/40005934
http://www.rei.com/category/4501322

Or visit EMS or Tents and Trails in the city.

For me, the feet are the biggest challenge.  Some bent riders prefer cleated sandals instead of bike shoes to allow diverse foot coverings - waterproof socks, multiple thick socks, barefeet, etc.

All this said, nothing teaches like time spent on the road.

Hope that helps.

Best,

Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Multi-day ride: New York City to Martha's Vinyard

Recumbent rider Shelly Mossey leads a multi-day trip from New York City to Martha's Vinyard. He piggy-backs it onto the "Ride to Montauk," which is a nice idea because the Ride to Montauk folks will carry your panniers to Montauk.  More than anything, it sounds like a nice ride for bent riders who prefer flat terrain.

Vinyard Ride
http://www.urbanmobilityproject.com/vineyard/

Ride to Montauk 2012
http://www.ridetomontauk.com/Ride_to_Montauk_2012/Home_Page.html

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

New Greenspeed Magnum - 2012

Had the privilege of building and riding the new Greenspeed Magnum.  What a cool trike!

Rode the "Mag" for about 15 miles and, as with all Greenspeeds, nothing but smiles, tight turns and smooth handling at speed.

Most immediately impressive -- because it's unusual -- are the three 20" x 2.35" Schwalbe BIG Apple tires.  Results in a wonderful fast smooth shock-absorbin' ride.  Also kind of neat to see a GS w/ 20" wheels in front instead of 16's.  Still has that great Greenspeed cornering though and good front-to-rear and side-to-side stability.  By my measurements, has 28" track (width at the front wheels), 42 1/2" wheelbase and 13" seat height at lowest setting.  So, this is a large trike.  Has drum brakes, as usual for GS (love them).  And, of course, it has high quality indirect steering.



Seat is height adjustable.  Now THAT'S cool!  13" is lowest.  Can be raised another 2" - 2 1/2".  So this is could be a great trike in traffic.  Seat back is angle adjustable, so you get a very versatile machine.

Get this: the front wheel axles have single push button releases.  Wheels can be removed with a single button, so...seat comes off, wheels come off, bike folds up in a tiny package...all in about 30 seconds if you're taking your time.  The production version of the axle will probably be even more refined.

This is a prototype and components will probably change for the production model, so no point mentioning specs and weight.  Anticipate good specs though and a price in the mid-2K's.

The ChroMo prototype here, colored dark glossy purple with chrome boom and steering rods, reminds me of a Harley Davidson -- I kid you not -- especially with these massive 20x2.35" tires.  I like what they're doing here.  Will be interesting to see what colors they settle on.  But purple and chrome is good.

The height adjustable seat makes this a particularly good trike for riders who are mobility impaired.  I also think it's a neat extension of the Greenspeed line, like they're adding to their classically nimble and fast trikes with a more "every dude" model.

Watch for it.

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Crash Statistics websites

This page comes from Transportation Alternatives:
http://crashstat.org/sites/default/files/splash2011.html


The law firm of Hecht Kleeger and Damashek, P.C. sent me this cool heat map of crash stats.

Data Source: NYC Open Data / https://data.cityofnewyork.us

View the Ultimate Guide to Walking Safely in NYC on Lawyer1.com

This page from Hecht Kleeger has some good graphical representations of crash data:
http://www.lawyer1.com/walksafernyc/



Say no more. Get involved.

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

24-hour overnight bike camping trips from NYC

I'm in the process of gathering a list of the best 24-hour overnight bike camping trips (aka, "S24O") in the New York Metro area. If you have a few favorite spots that you're willing to share, send them in.

Like me, however, you probably don't want your favorite bike-camping spots overrun by self-centered yahoos (the kind that write comments calling me a "douche" for not publishing a list of good bike camping spots near the city, or who ask me "what the point" of a blog is if I don't share secrets, as if I owe them something).  Like most people, I go bike-camping to get away from bozos, not to encourage them to join me.

Here's the deal I'm offering.  If you have a favorite 24-hr. bike-camping trip from NYC, send me the route and destination. After I've checked it out to see if it meets my totally subjective criteria for "good," I'll send you one in return. That's all there is to it. The result is we both multiply our 24-hour trip options but haven't ruined them by inviting the whole world to our favorite spots. Ain't that cool. If I think your destination is only so-so, I'll send you one of my so-so destinations.

For more info. about what makes for a good 24-hr. bike trip, see this article published by Rivendell Bicycle Works. (Let me know if the link is broken; they seem to move the article from time to time.)
http://ctxtv.wmppt.servertrust.com/kb_results.asp?ID=36

For those who think I owe them routes, without offering me anything good as a trade, here is your route:
ride north on Bike Route 9 (9W, etc.) till you can't go any further.  Sleep in a ditch next to the road.  Ride back home.  Touring is easy.  Just go out and do it.

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

New /Gekko/: what the heck is the price?

HP Velotechnik has announced a new /Gekko/.  This /Gekko/, instead of folding, has a separable frame.  This is a nice solution for riders who don't expect to benefit from the easy and fast fold.  Also, it enables a still lower price point for the USA version, with savings provided by having no folding technology.

I haven't yet seen the trike in order to know how the chain is managed when the trike is separated but, in their usual way, I expect HPV will have a clever solution.


Pricing.

There will be a European version and a less expensive USA version.

The European version /Gekko/ will be $2,590.
The USA version /Gekko/ will be $2,190, with a faster delivery time for New York riders.

If this is planned out like the Gekko fx, this means the European version will have a higher-end spec and a choice of the full range of options and accessories.  The following are the differences between the European Gekko fx and the USA Gekko fx.  If the /Gekko/ follows this pattern, I would anticipate similar differences.  I would also anticipate that the difference in cost will be partially attributable to reduced customs duty and shipping.

In the USA version Gekko fx:
- no snake seal
- no chain guard
- slightly different bolts
- Isoflow cranks
- different rear hub (cheaper)

Same with the USA /Gekko/?  We shall see.


Best,
Robert

------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Gekko fx: differences between USA and European models

Riders of HP Velotechnik's Gekko fx often want to know the main differences between the USA and European Gekko fx models.

On the USA version, the differences are:

- no snake seal
- no chain guard
- slightly different bolts
- Isoflow cranks
- different rear hub (cheaper)

Additional savings comes from reduced customs duty and shipping.

The other main difference is that if riders want most of the upgrades and special options listed on the HP Velotechnik website, such as light systems, custom colors, upgraded brakes, etc., then we have to build up from the European model.

The price confusion is more psychological. I use the German model as my demo because I like to show the top of the line features. Riders shouldn't worry too much about the difference in price. Just buy the trike you want. After several years, you won't think about the difference in price, but you will notice whether or not you own the right trike for your purposes.

Best,
Robert

------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Good lightweight camping food - it exists

Better pre-packaged lightweight camping food.

(This entry is as much a "note-to-self" as it is a note-to-readers.)

First of all, the nutritionally conscious will buy a dehydrator and make their own dehydrated meals (which are generally considered more nutritious than freeze-dried meals.)

Or, if you want someone else to do the work for you, here are two nice options, recommended by reliable sources:

Hawk Vittles
Lightweight gourmet meals made by a chef.  Nutritious, creative recipes.
(Post trip review: good taste and looks good, but doesn't thoroughly soften and bag shape makes it difficult to stir. Quantity size: okay.  Those who need more calories may want to buy double-sized meals.)
http://hawkvittles.com/order.html

Pack It Gourmet
Haven't yet tried it.
http://www.packitgourmet.com/



This one is an internet discovery.  Haven't tried it.

Pack Lite Foods
Try it and let me know how it is.
http://www.packlitefoods.com/

Wise Company
http://wisefoodstorage.com/

But better than what?

Alas, both these brands have carried me through hundreds -- maybe thousands -- of miles.  But, I'm simply no longer enthused by their offerings.

Backpackers Pantry
http://www.backpackerspantry.com/

Mountain House
http://www.mountainhouse.com/


Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Riding with weight

The other day, an ex-standard frame customer looking to save a buck or two, asked whether underseat racks are really necessary.  How weird looking they must appear to SF riders.

Yes.  On bents they are.  Even more so than rear racks.

In fact, I'd rather have only underseat racks if I could only figure how to put two of those dippy bike baskets -- the best/worst of which I have on my rear rack -- on the sides.  Maybe someday soon I will (w/ apologies to my fashion-conscious friends).  But since I like having a bike basket w/ bungy netting for fast and easy storage, I'm looking at spending more time w/ a rear rack.  (Tempted to get a still bigger basket on the back, in fact.  Shelly Mossey and his NYC bent-based courier service better look out.)

My knock-around city bent is an old Rans Rocket.  Great urban bike, but serious balance problems if I load up the rear rack, most of which is actually outside the wheelbase (beyond the rear wheel), causing the front wheeeel to elevate if you have something heavy back there, like a heavy lock and a couple laptops.  Normal stuff, in other words.  But makes for some scary sh*t when you hit construction zones at speed, w/ that front wheel leaving the ground every time it hits a fresh bit of asphalt laid New Yawk-style.

Problem solved: put the weight in side panniers on my bent -- I mean scratched and bended, not recumbent -- underseat racks.  There are times I've considered stripping off the rear rack, but I like the rear light bracket (making it all one heck of a large and heavy light bracket!) and I can put big, puffy and light things back there in the basket like...boxes of salad greens, swim gear and warm jackets.

All that to say, I'm all for saving money.  But not by trying to go w/o the underseat rack.  (Less aerodynamic than a rear rack?  Well, I suppose so.  Who cares, I'm in traffic.)

Yers,
Robert

------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Another nice testimonial

This customer wrote me a nice note:

# # #


---------- Original Message ----------
Subject: Gekko fx, testimonial
From: "Greg G."
To: "Robert Matson"
------------------------------------------

It's fantastic to have a local NYC recumbent dealer. There are ways to buy new and sometimes used as well. I can test the bike and ride it home instead of renting a van and spending the weekend driving back and forth!

Robert is knowledgeable, passionate, painstaking, patient, and honest as the day is long. He's a good listener too, soaking up details about my tendonitis, knee surgery and other biomechanical issues.

I purchased an HP Velotechnik Gekko from him, and he pointed out how it is a newer model for the German domestic market, with a few better details that are unpublished.

Robert lives it. He really knows the brands he carries (and many others besides). He's got a huge fund of general recumbent lore at his command as well.

What I like best about dealing with Robert is this - not only does he go all out to help you, but he gives you the straight scoop. In the hours of talking about recumbents, I never once felt I was getting sales spiel. I'm now considering a RANS or Volae, and would buy from him with peace of mind.

- Greg G.


# # #

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Camping food: No-cook Trail Brownies

On a recent trip, Brian T., appeared with the following "Trail Brownies" recipe. On that trip, the brownies made their appearance in the form of my birthday cake with a match as a candle.


No-cook Trail Brownies
Serves 4 - 8

In a quart freezer bag put:
1 package graham crackers, reduced to crumbs.
1/4 cup broken pecans (toast them first for best results) (optional)
2 Tbsp powered sugar.

In another bag put:
3 oz (about 3/4 cup) chocolate chips and
3 Tbsp powered milk

In camp: Add 1/4 cup water to the chocolate. Bring a pot of water to boil and dip the bag to melt the chocolate (the higher-quality the chocolate, the better it melts and the better it tastes). When melted, add the graham cracker crumbs and knead to mix thoroughly. How you eat it is up to you. You can let it cool and break it into chunks.

Tips: Use mini morsels, which tend to melt faster than regular chocolate chips and take up less space in your food bag. Use about 3/4 of a cup of "minis" because more mini morsels fit into a cup than bigger chips. If you add too much chocolate it tends not to harden completely.

Best,
Robert

------------

Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Happy with a Gekko fx

The other day, I received this nice note from a customer who bought a Gekko fx.

Robert --

Thanks very much for your help in ordering and putting together my new gekko fx. Your advice was spot on and was invaluable in helping me make the proper choices in terms of options and configuration. And then your hard work in making sure the bike was ready to go once it came in as well as properly tested (even finding and adjusting to a problem with a manufacturers spec) was exemplary.

Bryan



------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Hi,

I have so little time to write at this moment.  Thankfully, friends have been writing in with notes.  Here's one from Kim (new silver HP Velotechnik Street Machine) who also appeared in last year's New York Times article.

-----


Hi Robert,

It's been several months since I purchased my Street Machine GTE from your company. If you recall, I picked up the recumbent with an injured knee. The knee healed and the snows arrived; along with tax season. Finally, this past month I have been out on the road with my GTE.

It is a fantastic bike! Having ridden a short-wheel based, above seat steering, lightweight recumbent for over 10 years; I can only say that the GTE blows it away. The quality speaks for itself. The trouble-free assembly speaks for your talents. I would recommend the bike in a heartbeat. The below seat steering took a few rides to get comfortable with but once I did, it provided a stability that my previous bike never achieved. The additional 6 pounds has had no impact on my ability to get up the hills of LI. The upgrades (disc brakes and bar-end shifts with drive train) put this bike in dream bike status. I would be happy to share my experiences about this recumbent or your shop with any potential buyers should they be needed. Enjoy your
summer!

Sincerely,
Kim Wasserman

-----

This reminds me that I need to write my own review of the Street Machine Gte.  I've felt no urgency though.  Its reputation speaks so loudly for itself, there's nothing I feel I can add.  Other than to say it rides just as well fully-loaded as it does with no racks and bags, and that is a good test for a bike.

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

bicycling in NYC pre-car, post-safety bike -- 1895-1905

A bent friend Dan (yellow V-Rex) sent this in:

-----


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lacy-schutz/bicycling-in-new-york-city_b_860531.html#s270488&title=Organized_Charity_Night

The Museum of the City of New York is digitizing its massive collection of photographs (some 62,000 over the next few months) and found several of interest about bicycling in the period 1895-1905. Of interest: a picture of Grant's Tomb, a photo of Riverside drive that looks positively rustic, Long Island City (which was bustling at that time), and a personal favorite--the sport cyclists group riding down to Coney Island by way of the Ocean Parkway Bike Path. The Bike Path is the oldest in the country, opened in 1895 with a parade of some 10,000 cyclists.

No hipsters, either (there's a guy sporting the prize-winning bike togs of the day).

-----



Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

It's Bike Month; it's May

Wow.  May is upon us.  Busy, busy.  All I'll say is: we live in exciting times.

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

From sleet to the heat and riding the Gekko fx.

Suddenly the heat is upon us.  It's supposed to reach 72 deg. F today (22 deg C).  Already.  A week ago I was still riding and hiking with wool tights.  If I ever create a universe, it will progress slowly through spring, delaying the onset of heat and humidity, which, when it's inevitable, will be limited to just a few hours in the middle of the nights in July and Aug.  Otherwise, it'll be 50s and 60s and sunny with flowers blooming.  In fact, in my universe there'll be essentially no summer, just spring, fall and winter.  The heat is more limiting than the cold, in my humble universe-creating opinion.

This weekend I'm giving a presentation about Green Getaways in my role as a bike leader with the Appalachian Mountain Club.  This has been a good chance to set down my thoughts and experiences as a cyclist in a single, tight format.  I've forgotten how much work is required when you (I) write.

Recumbent bikes...  At times (today) I really feel they are a different animal from standard frame bikes.  At least they are for me.  At least that's how I feel today.  My beater bent (Rans Rocket) aside, which I might ride anywhere to keep my legs in shape and because that seat is so comfortable, there's nothing like taking out the Grasshopper for a long ride.  For me, it's the long ride where bents come into their own.  In the city, the standard frame is simply so easy and practical (and cheap and easy to lock): there are times when you simply need to do a track stand, or turn at nearly right angles, when you just want to lock it up and not think about whether some young thug will slice up the seat, when you're feeling introverted (who me?) and don't want everyone saying "cool bike" when you go by, when you simply want to stand on the pedals and hammer.

But there are also times when you simply want to sit back and ride for hours and hours.  And that's the bent's job.  I actually feel cramped when I take it out for a short training ride in the park as opposed to the day-long trip.  Wrong tool for the job.

Also, kind of amusingly, I've been riding the trikes more than usual.  Mostly this is because of the new Gekko fx from HP Velotechnik; I've wanted to spend time getting to know it, and it's simply so much fun to ride.  I say "amusingly" because I don't see myself as a trike rider, per se.  I think of myself more as a two-wheeled guy, but I have to say, I really love the stability of the tadpole format and the way it rides like a go-cart.  When I was a pre-teen I very much wanted a go-cart.  Now I have one, or a few, that I can borrow from NYCRS.  It makes me want to put together a trike race here in NYC.  (Come on, I know you're out there; I promise to let you have the lead for the first lap.)

I think what I've enjoyed most about the trikes is using them as mountain bikes.  They're simply so incredibly stable.  You slip and slide around but you never feel like you're going to go head over heels or have the wheels slide out from under you.  The only downside has been on steep stuff where you can't shift your weight to manage how the wheels dig into the dirt.  Well...the other downside is you can't really do single track in an environmentally sensitive way; either you don't fit or you broaden the trail.

I'm finding the trike format easy to get attached to, though.  I can see why they're popular with the rail-trail, bike path and country road riders.  Oh, and yes there're the G-forces that you feel on the trike.  Nothin' quite like G-forces.

Have a great day, riders.  Looks like summer is here.

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

No, I haven't disappeared. I've been walking.

One of the many magnificent views in the Taconics. Robert in blue hat. Photo by David Thornquist. Copyr. 2011.

Spring is here, and today we're having our first truly beautiful day.  The cherry trees in front of the Brooklyn Museum of Art are in full bloom; and the magnolias are in full flight in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

Last weekend I was backpacking in the Taconics, the same region where I did three weekend-long bike tours last year.  The Appalachian Trail runs through this area, which includes portions of New York State, Massachusetts and Connecticut.  We were often walking from one state to another.  Interesting to see the same views, but from the tops of the mountains this time, instead of the where the roads lie -- the valleys and the facing ridge to the west.  I'm getting to know the area pretty well.  As soon as I find some good overnight locations, I'll organize a tour through there for friends and customers, maybe just one night-long to start.  If this sounds good to you, write me so I can gauge interest.

left to right: Nora, Lewis, Robert (Me), Maria, Michael
Photo by David Thornquist Copyr. 2011.

Everywhere we walked there was still a good deal of snow.  Not a lot of flowers (none).  The first night we camped on a ski mountain, with snow all around us in the groomed areas.  I used crampons-lite to hike up to the campsite.  As for the high points and peaks on the trail, just a few days earlier we would have needed traction devices, if not crampons, but there was enough clear rock that we made it with boots.  The nice thing about early spring hiking is that you get views that'll later be blocked once the leaves appear.  Of course, you also get rain and the possibilities of snow showers. (By the way, the roads were clear.)

This Sat. is the first "spring" Grant's Tomb ride.  Recumbent riders have been hiding this winter.  And now, I wonder if everyone is feeling too weak to ride.  Haven't received a single RSVP.  Last year, we rode all winter long.  I've missed that this year.

I have a case of Caldera Cone Keg-F's to get rid of.  $60 each.  These are cool little one-person cooking systems consisting of a pot made from a Foster's can and an alcohol stove (or esbit, your choice).  They weigh almost nothing.  Perfect for bike camping and hiking.  (I have a two new Gekko fx's to get rid of too.  Call me.)

Time to ride.  Where is everybody?  Hiking?!

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Trikes

Trikes are more popular in non-urban regions of the country than they seem to be in New York/DC/Boston/Philly, but they certainly do have their following.  It's been cool to see more trike customers visiting, in addition to the 2-wheel crowd.

I have a HP Velotechnik Gekko fx demo model in stock.  I received and built it several weeks ago, but only got to ride it myself for the first time last weekend.  OK...OK...once again, HP Velotechnik blows off the lid.  It's a great machine.  Every time I receive a new HP Velo, I just want to retire and spend all my time touring on whatever they just sent me.  While the Gekko fx lacks the exceptionally fine handling of the Scorpion fs, it's no slouch, with a tight turning radius, a high seating position -- seat height is 13" -- so you don't feel invisible on the roads, and the usual HP Velo stability.  And of course it goes as fast as you want to peddle.  To make up for the lack of full suspension, we built this one up with Schwalbe Marathon Big Apple tires and they really give a great ride -- both that air cushioning and the amazing grip.  SRAM/Avid have improved their disc brakes as well, so the BB5's aren't bad.  Don't overlook them.

A second Gekko fx will arrive at the end of April.  Otherwise, new German-built machines are taking about 8 weeks to arrive in New York due to demand and manufacturing backlog.  As for the Scorpion line-up, they are being built much more quickly, with delivery in as little as three weeks (though that can change).  The USA Gekko fx's, with the slightly lower spec, are slated to be offered in June, but no exact date has been set.

All this to say, if you want your trike sooner rather than later, consider buying a Scorpion.  They aren't that much more expensive than the Gekkos and, like all HP Velotechniks, they're worth every penny.  Better yet, for day-riders, tourers and commuters, they use the traditional HPV rack designs.  However, if you need the tight, fast fold (and what city-dweller does not), the Gekko fx remains your machine; you'll simply need to wait for it.

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Prayers for the people of Japan

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

New Grasshopper fx bike and rider, a review.

A bent rider out West had read my review of the HP Velotechnik Grasshopper fx and ended up buying one from a dealer near him.  I thought people might be interested in reading his initial impressions, which he posted to the HP Velotechnik newsgroup on Yahoo.  (Unedited and reprinted here with permission.)

-----------


Washing the “new” off.
My experience with the Grasshopper is more than meeting
my high expectations created by the reviews I've read.
I've only been riding it around town, yesterday through
some significant rain that revealed some vulnerabilities
of my old Sugoi Rain Jacket. But the Grasshopper is a
blast. The suspension has me hitting crappy asphalt
and rail road tracks at full speed and marveling
at how well it works. The Dual Drive works a treat.
I love not worrying about gear combinations; From a stop,
I shift up using the hub gear and then use the rear derailleur
for fine tuning. And I thought I wouldn't like it. I'm still
not fond of the feel of the Sram derailleur shifter. It
works fine but the feel when up-shifting is too disconnected.
And it's loud. I'll probably learn to live with it but
I'm pondering alternatives. Most appealing would be a bar-end
friction shifter but that would require a different handlebar.
The shifter for the hub gear is fine.

The disk brakes have a solid, progressive, confidence-inspiring
feel. I'm glad I made that change and I think they look good,
too. The dyno-hub is a nice convenience. I installed a quick
disconnect in the wiring so I don't have to leave the light
on the bike when locked. Now, I'm just waiting on some Pinhead
security skewers to secure the front wheel and seat and headset.
The Pinhead website said they may have a product for solid
axles sometime this year.

I've got to get to the local high school track and check
my computer calibration. If it's accurate, then I'm zipping
right along on this new bike: 17-19 mph with my heavy,
fat Jandd commuter bag and the out-of-shape rider
(flat ground, neutral air).

So, the bike is comfortable, fast, practical and,
to my eye, visually pleasing. What's not to like?

- Kurt Jensen
Eugene, OR.


---------------

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

All I wanna do is have some fun. Fat chance.

All I wanna do is ride, hike, and sell good bikes to great people.  But for some unbelievable reason, first I have to ask my friends and customers to help defend our right to safe streets.

Here's the New York Times article.  Write a reply.  Write the editors.  Write your congressman and councilmember.

For City’s Transportation Chief, Kudos and Criticism
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/06/nyregion/06sadik-khan.html

And then, you there, the one reading this, take a friend out for a pleasant ride -- out to the Atlantic Ocean or the Hudson River, to The Park (you know the one), to the Little Red Lighthouse, to JFK, to Gracie Mansion....  Introduce all your neighbors and friends to the simple joy of cycling.  Obey the road rules, be nice to pedestrians (and everyone else) and otherwise just be a good citizen.

To be a bicycle advocate, you don't have to set yourself on fire.  No, just invite a friend out on a ride and enjoy yourself.  If you need ideas for routes, join the New York Cycle Club to get access to their wonderful ride library.

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Check out the Clothing for Recumbent Riders

Recumbent riders have somewhat specific needs for jerseys and shorts. For jerseys, it's better to have pockets on the front than on the back, as they are on a traditional cycling jersey. For shorts, padding is unnecessary (though I find it blocks the wind on a cold day).

The following companies have good options for bent riders, though I don't necessarily have experience with any of them other than Ice Breaker.  (And I'm not sure what I think of the spectacular tights.  Maybe I'll get them for the Halloween ride.)

Aero Tech Designs. Some unpadded shorts. Slightly cheesy site, but try and look beyond that. Check out the tights!
Ibex. Merino wool sports clothing. Good stuff.
Ice Breaker. Merino wool technical clothing. Hard wearing. Highly recommended.
Regatta Sport. Unpadded shorts and tights for the non-cyclist look.

Reverse Gear. Specializes in recumbent clothes.

Best,
Robert

P.S. Today I was hit by a car. Bruised calf muscle but otherwise okay. More about that later. It's been a rough four weeks!

------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Rockin' in the Three-World: We've got Gekko!

"We've got Gekko, folks, we've got Gekko."

For those of you who choose to rock the three-wheeled-world, I've got two words: "friggin' awesome."  This thing -- the Gekko fx -- exceeds all expectations.

I'm still in the middle of unpacking this baby.  It always takes time, HP Velotechnik is generous with packing material.  And I have already discovered a secret feature that HP Velotechnik does not advertise!  And it's not that the name is Gekko, not Gecko.  No, it's something else entirely.  They didn't tell me this, I never expected this.  I'm not going to say what it is -- I like that it's a secret -- but this is the coolest friggin' thing I've ever seen on a folding bike of any format, recumbent or standard frame.  I'll give you a clue: Brompton does something similar (different, and more British, but similar).

I put a water bottle in the picture so you get a sense of scale.  Compact.

Once again, HP Velotechnik makes an emphatic entrance.

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

In case of accident...important information

Recumbent bikes are the ultimate long haul bike.  So comfortable, it barely matters how long you’re in the saddle.  For some of us, that means “yearnin’ for the open road.”  Even if it’s just for a weekend, for me, there’s simply nothing quite like living by bicycle for a while.

However, some trips are less than all roses.  Predictable challenges come in the way of steep hills, bad weather, rough roads, motor vehicles, and getting lost -- all part of a good day’s riding.  However, there are also unpredictable challenges, the worst of which are illness and injury.  Drinking bad water or hitting the pavement can mark the end of a -- up till then -- great trip.

There are good habits a cyclist can adopt to avoid accidents.  New York Cycle Club recommends all riders read Bicycle Safe for advice on avoiding accidents with oil-powered vehicles.  There is no question; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

God forbid you’re in an accident, but I can’t think of any cyclists who haven’t hit the pavement at least once.  On trips, I try to live by the rule “prepare for the worst” so the worst doesn’t happen.  I also believe that thoughtful preparation helps us avoid accidents because it heightens our awareness to common dangers.  If only preparation could be prevention.  Most cyclists are protected by little other than skin, thin fabric, a helmet, and, if you’ve planned ahead, a few pieces of cycling armor.  Soft body, hard road; a bike accident is going to hurt.  (On long trips, besides a helmet, I wear padded shorts and elbow guards since these are common contact points in a recumbent fall.  Mine are from Six Six One and there are a few other manufacturers of bicycling body armor.)

Before I go any further, I will say that a responsible cyclist should obtain Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training.  This two-day class is offered by a few different schools.  Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO) teaches the class in multiple locations several times a year.  A trip leader could benefit from Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training, also available from SOLO.  This course generally involves 70 - 80 hours of class work.

If you can’t wait for the next class from SOLO, look into the day-long class in basic first aid and CPR/AED offered by the American Red Cross.  You'll learn principals like checking for scene safety, wearing gloves to protect yourself from the victim’s body substances, using direct pressure to stop bleeding, recognizing the onset of a heart attack, and other basic skills.  Although there’s a big difference between getting hurt in the office and getting hurt on the road, it would be a mistake to dismiss this training.  If all you learn is to wear gloves before touching an injured friend, it may not save your friend’s life, but it might save yours.

The information here is intended to help you prepare for a severe accident as a result of which, due to reduced consciousness, you are unable to provide vital information that would assist with your medical care.  These recommendations are based on information that Wilderness First Responders are trained to gather when they first make contact with a victim.

Some training, racing and touring organizations gather an emergency contact’s name and phone number and not much more.  I’d be concerned that it expects too much of a spouse, friend, mother, etc....that they will a) be available during the critical hours after an accident, b) be able to provide complete and correct information, and c) know what medications you take, your drug allergies and your medical history.

Before your next trip, record your vital medical information in a permanent, non-electronic form that you can carry with you.  Accidents are tough on things and are more likely to occur in wet weather than dry, so make sure the material is strong and waterproof.  I suggest using a Sharpie pen on Tyvek or strong tape.  Personally, since I'm fortunate to have a short medical history, I write my information on removable tape and attach it to the main tube of my bike.  There’s no guarantee a rescuer will see it there, I realize, but it’s better than doing nothing.  If you have serious and chronic conditions, like drug allergies or diabetes, this information should be on a wrist or ankle in the form of a bracelet or tattoo.  You might also consider writing medical information in your helmet, though there isn’t room to write very much.

If you want to keep your information private, write it on Tyvek, fold it, and tape it to your bike.  Clearly label it as medical information so it isn’t easily overlooked.

The following information will be highly useful to first responders.

Name, age, sex (Don't assume it's obvious.)

Allergies (especially drug allergies and those that can cause anaphylaxis like bee stings, peanuts, etc.)

Medications you take, including all over the counter, herbal remedies, health supplements, prescriptions and restricted substances.  Natural remedies and dope are considered medications for this purpose.  Include when you had your last dose and information about what happens if you do not take your meds.  On long trips, write down doses in a log book to make it easier to keep track.

Past medical history.  Be complete, be honest.  Include all serious injuries, surgeries and psychiatric conditions as well as chronic conditions.  It may be a good idea to include significant emotional conditions if you know they could interfere with care.  If you're alert, medical providers will want to know your prior history as it relates to the specific injury or illness.  However, if we are making advance preparations in case of an accident, we need to cover all bases as we won’t know how or where we might get hurt.  This may require a bit of work the first time, but if done properly and in enduring form, it only needs to be done once.  After that, just update the list.

Last oral intake.  On a multi-day trip, I keep a simple log book with the date and time of significant meals, what I ate, and the itinerary and mileage for the day.  I don’t agonize over it to the point it ruins the trip.  The point here is that a little information is better than none.  From the perspective of providing medical care, it will be helpful to know if it's been 24 hours since a patient ate, or only an hour, and whether it was an energy bar and water or a Big Mac and shake.  A side benefit of a food log is that it may help you see how nutritional intake affects performance.

Emergency contact name and phone.  There's a reason I list this last.  For cynical reasons -- identifying a dead body or inquiring if a victim has insurance -- yes, this is important.  But for emergency care of a living patient, this decreases in importance if you provide the other information on this list.  It’s more urgent for ER doctors to know if you have drug allergies than the name and number of your spouse.

On long trips, I keep an itinerary or log (paper-based).  This should include point of departure, way points and planned finish.  This isn't to prevent spur of the moment changes in plan, a.k.a., "fun".  It provides a basic framework so rescuers know what you're up to.  It will be helpful to know if you're traveling ultra-light 500 miles from home, or just out for a day ride in the hills.  For multi-day trips, worthwhile information would include waypoints, mileage, anything notable that happens, nutritional intake, when you take meds, injuries, illnesses, and mechanical problems.  As a bonus, at the end of the trip, this will be a nice little trip diary.  "5am woke up.  Cold.  Lips chapped.  BK: oatmeal w/ protein powder, hot choc.  Tightened seat bolts.  Got water.  I'm out.  Plattsburgh tonight -- apx. 75 miles."

Please feel free to write if you have questions about any of this or believe I've missed something.

Best,

Robert

------------

Robert Matson

New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)

The Innovation Works, Inc.

copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Your death is worth $6.1 million. So is your life.

In the 15 years from 1994 up through 2009, 5,746 people were killed in the five boroughs of New York City in motor vehicle accidents.  That's an average of 383 deaths per year.  (Source: the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's “Fatality Analysis Reporting System Encyclopedia” at http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Main/index.aspx)

Today's New York Times reports that the U.S. Department of Transportation has established a new dollar amount on the value of a single life.  It is $6.1 million.  Therefore, grade school math tells us that the 383 people killed annually on New York City streets, on average, are a loss of over $2.3 BILLION dollars to the city ($2,336,300,000 to be precise).

There would be a fantastic financial benefit if New York City had perfectly safe streets, where no one was killed by cars.  And what is a cheap and easy and fast way to create safer streets?  Create bike lanes.  Bike lanes have repeatedly been proven to diminish accidents for all users on city streets.

The New York City Department of Transportation spends only $6 million dollars per year on bike lane improvements, with $4 million of that coming from the federal government (source: NYC DOT testimonial to the city council in 2010).  This is less than the value of a single human life saved, each year.

Imagine: if safe streets blanketed the city, and no one had to "die by motor vehicle," the city would have $2.3 billion dollars to use for safety improvements. Of course there is a cost for safer streets.  Does it exceed $2.3 billion per year?

For council members who are ready to put their money where their mouths are, here is an easy way to raise $2.3 billion, every year, for the city they represent.

Install street improvements.  Quickly.  On every street in New York City.  And start with the bike lanes.

New York Times
BUSINESS DAY
As U.S. Agencies Put More Value on a Life, Businesses Fret
By BINYAMIN APPELBAUM
Published: February 16, 2011
Agencies that calculate the worth of a life have been raising the number, which affects how much the government should spend to prevent a single death.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/business/economy/17regulation.html

Best,
Robert

------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Gold medal reclaimed: HP Velotechnik is Germany's 'Best bicycle manufacturer' for 2011.

Understand that this is Germany, and the Germans build possibly the best bicycles in the world.  Then consider that HP Velotechnik is awarded this "best" ranking from a field of both standard frame and recumbent manufacturers.  And that is why HPV's are so very, very good.

Read the excellent Recumbent Journal article here.
(This may not be a "perma-link," so if it fails to work, just head over to Recumbent Journal.)

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

So, you want to know more about RAAM?

The New York Cycle Club's March 8th meeting will include a presentation about the Race Across America (RAAM), a ride famous with bent riders because it lets us race.
6pm.
NYCC Club membership and RSVPs required.

"George Thomas, Executive Director of Race Across America (RAAM) and 6-time RAAM finisher, will join NYCC's March 8 Club meeting to deliver a riveting presentation on Race Across America."

http://nycc.org/node/49910

Join NYCC and go.

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Darn it. That's why I ride a bent.

Darn it.

Yesterday I fell.  Thankfully it was in a bike lane and not in the middle of Second Ave.  But I think I broke a bone in my shoulder.  Maybe the scapula (shoulder bone), maybe that and a bit more.  Tomorrow I'm going to reassess it and (maybe*) go to the doctor. (*As in, "maybe I won't be a fool, and actually go see the doctor two days after the accident.")

It happened in a predictable way.

As one does, I was riding fast in the Second Ave. bike lane in the East Village.  Cutting with confidence through the slush and snow and over the ice.  Thought I was the boss, didn't I?  Feeling sure of my gear -- specifically my fat carbide steel studded tires -- as one does, before being reminded of how soft one really is...compared to asphalt.  Hit a patch of frozen slush which then lost cohesion.  And suddenly I was flying through the air, with the greatest of ease, down to the street, shoulder first.  Arm, hip, and leg impact next.

That should tell you something: I wasn't riding a bent.  And it should tell you something else: no matter how good your tires -- and I still love my Schwalbe Marathon Winters -- they only grip as well as the substance they're gripping to.  Ice, hey that's great.  But semi-frozen slush?  Look out.

Now, had I been riding a bent, I would have hit the pavement ass first, and from only two feet off the ground.  Instead, I was riding my beater diamond frame, an awesome Surly Cross Check as I usually do during the messy months, and so my shoulder  had a good six feet to travel down to the streetscape.  Of course, it was exactly as I always tell people; on a DF, it's usually the upper body that leads in a fall; on a bent, it's the feet and ass.  You're better off leading with your feet and ass.

Well, I got up and kept going.  And continued my day.  Saw friends.  Attended a discussion about the nature of reality (you don't miss this kind of thing when it's moderated by Deepak Chopra).  Had coffee.  Attended the Downtown Meditation Community's potluck.  And rode another 15 miles or so on slippery streets.  As a real man (a.k.a. idiot) does.  I still had full rotation of my arm and wrist, didn't hit my head, nothing obviously broken.  I could support my upper body on the handlebars w/o problem.  But all the while well aware: the body and mind can mask injuries initially (as it's supposed to do).

Thank God I didn't tear the merino.  (That's really amazing stuff.)  And thankfully my 800-fill down sweater was safely stowed in my rear basket.  That would have been a mess.

But today, darn it, the shoulder pain has increased, as it might for a broken scapula.

Friggn-A.  Like I needed a reminder.  If you're going to fall on a bike -- and everyone falls sooner or later -- it's better to fall from a bent, than a diamond frame.  Better to fall towards your legs and ass then towards your head and shoulders.

Go ride a bent.

Update: saw the MD, got X-rays. Nothing broken!  Just bone bruises.  As for tendon or ligament damage, I'm still waiting.  Maybe, just maybe I haven't blown my swimming season.

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

5,746 killed on NYC streets over 15 years. Please make it stop.

To:

Councilman Eric Ulrich

Queens

E-mail: eulrich@council.nyc.gov

Dear Councilmember Ulrich:

Thank you for dedicating your career to making New York a better place to live and work.

However, I have learned that your office has announced a proposal to mandate bicycle licensing.  Thousands of New Yorkers are likely to be killed and injured by this law, if enacted.  Surely, this is not the consequence you intend.

According to the facts from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the 15 years from 1994 up through 2009, 5,746 people were killed in the five boroughs of New York City in motor vehicle accidents.  Allow me to emphasize that: Five THOUSAND, seven HUNDRED and forty-six.
     Source: The U.S. Department of Transportation's
     National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's
     “Fatality Analysis Reporting System Encyclopedia” at
     http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Main/index.aspx

Considering that these 5,746 people were killed over a period of _ONLY_ 15 years, the mind boggles to contemplate the thousands upon thousands of New Yorkers who have been killed by our dangerous streets over the decades.

Experts in the field of transportation safety have ample evidence that bicycles and bike lanes create safer streets with fewer accidents to all street users.  The New York City Department of Transportation has
published data showing this is true in New York.

There is also testimony from experts showing that laws which inhibit the wide use of bicycles, such as bicycle licensing and helmet laws, causes a decrease in the number of cyclists (source: Transportation Alternatives).  Since a drop in the number of cyclists creates more dangerous streets for all street users, licensing laws have the unintended effect of increasing mortality -- deaths -- on city streets.

The 5,746 street users who were killed from 1994 through 2009 must not be ignored.  Being dead, they can not write you or your office, or march to City Hall in protest.  But it is a great injustice to forget or ignore them.

How many more New Yorkers must die, before we reach a consensus that safe streets are important, and that, as a community, we should pursue all efforts that create safer streets?

Bicycle licensing will cause fewer people to bike.  Fewer bikes will mean more dangerous streets.  More dangerous streets will mean thousands killed on New York roads.

New York does not need laws that result in deaths.  What we need, are leaders who will support and advance a readily acceptable truth: New Yorkers need laws that result in quality of life improvements.  We need safe streets.

I hope you will agree.

Please retract the proposal for bicycle licensing.  And please support the construction of safe streets and bike lanes.

Thank you for caring about New Yorkers.

Respectfully yours,

Robert Matson
Member: New York Cycle Club and Transportation Alternatives

cc: Blog.NYCRecumbentSupply.com


# # #

------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Mandatory: spend 10 minutes to save lives; possibly your own.

In the here-and-now presently-apocalyptic world of Cyclists vs. Shysters, two new fronts have opened.  Read on.


In order to ensure you continue to get life-saving bike lanes, you need to spend 10 minutes today to tell your council member what you think.  (Suggestion: you want bike lanes because they decrease injuries and save lives for ALL street users -- motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, skaters, dog walkers, dogs, cats, you name it -- and you want them fast, before the next 100 people needlessly die on New York City roads.)


Here are some facts so you better understand just how serious this business is:
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811156.PDF
Browse around here: http://www.nhtsa.gov/NCSA
Here's an article at RecumbentJournal.com on the subject
http://www.recumbentjournal.com/views/columns/item/299-cycling-safety-situational-cities-certainly-scariest.html
See my previous blog entry: Get involved in local politics to improve street safety.




And here are the two stories and what you should do:


New York Cycle Club Alert: Where You Can Help

Issue: Queens Councilman Eric Ulrich has announced a proposal for citywide bike licensing.


Action needed: Email the Councilman (e-mail address: eulrich [at] council [dot] nyc [dot] gov) and tell him why this scapegoating of all cyclists for the bad habits of a few is wrong.  Mention you are a member of New York Cycle Club to show that, all together, we have clout.

Central Park Alert: The past week has seen a ticketing blitz by police directed at Park cyclists running red lights. This has occurred regardless of hour or density of traffic, pedestrian or otherwise, leaving a number of our members with $270 fines.

* * *

Councilmembers James Oddo and Vincent Ignizio (Staten Island, Republican) are demanding new bike lanes be subject to a lengthy and unnecessary review process.

From:
Paul Steely White

Executive Director,

Transportation Alternatives ("T.A.")

Dear T.A. StreetBeat Reader,

As reported by the New York Post, Staten Island Republican Councilmembers James Oddo and Vincent Ignizio are demanding that all new bike lanes be subject to a lengthy -- and highly unnecessary -- review process. Councilmembers Oddo and Ignizio's proposal would put a snarl of red tape and potentially years of waiting time between New Yorkers and life-saving improvements to their streets.

Take Action: http://transalt.org/takeaction/actioncenter/5073

Send Councilmembers Oddo and Ignizio a fax and stand up against a long, drawn-out review bogging down life-saving bike lanes. Tell Councilmember Oddo and Ignizio that New Yorkers need bike lanes. We will not stand for their attack on safe streets.

T.A.'s legal committee is fast at work on an official answer to this nonsense. Meanwhile, before other Councilmembers begin blaming every other traffic jam on bicyclists, we need you to tell Councilmember James Oddo that obstructing the installation of bike lanes will only make our streets more dangerous for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists alike.

On Manhattan's 9th Avenue, a parking-protected bike lane and its accompanying pedestrian islands reduced injuries for everyone by 56 percent. That's drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists, all safer because of a bike lane. Because bike lanes make streets safer for pedestrians and drivers too, their timely installation is integral to making our streets safer for everyone.

T.A. needs your help to defeat this attack on bicycling before it gets started. Stand up for your right to bicycle in a safe lane! Send an e-fax to Councilmember Oddo now!

Paul Steely White
Executive Director,
Transportation Alternatives





Councilmembers Here!

Not sure who your councilmember is?  Find out here: http://council.nyc.gov/html/members/members.shtml

To e-mail your councilmember, find their name and e-mail address below.  You could also pick up the phone and call their office.  I'm not certain how to address them, but try "Your Honor" -- can't be too far off -- and let me know how that goes.


MATHIEU EUGENE                      mathieu.eugene@council.nyc.gov
GALE BREWER                             gbrewer@council.nyc.gov
FERNANDO CABRERA                fcabrera@council.nyc.gov
MARGARET CHIN                          chin@council.nyc.gov
LEROY COMRIE                             comrie@council.nyc.ny.us
ELIZABETH CROWLEY               ecrowley@council.nyc.gov
ERIC MARTIN DILAN                   Edilan@council.nyc.gov
JULISSA FERRERAS                      jferreras@council.nyc.gov
LEWIS A. FIDLER                          LFidler@council.nyc.gov
HELEN D. FOSTER                        foster@council.nyc.gov
Daniel R. Garodnick                        garodnick@council.nyc.ny.us
James F. Gennaro                             jgennaro@council.nyc.gov
VINCENT J. GENTILE                   vgentile@council.nyc.gov
SARA M. GONZALEZ                   Sgonzalez@council.nyc.gov
DANIEL J. HALLORAN                dhalloran@council.nyc.gov
VINCENT IGNIZIO                        Ignizio@council.nyc.ny.us
ROBERT JACKSON                       rjackson@council.nyc.gov
LETICIA JAMES                            ljames@council.nyc.gov
PETER KOO                                    pkoo@council.nyc.gov
G. Oliver Koppell                 okoppell@council.nyc.gov
Karen Koslowitz                   Koslowitz@council.nyc.gov
BRAT LANDER                     lander@council.nyc.gov
JESSICA S. LAPPIN              lappin@council.nyc.gov
Stephen Levin                     slevin@council.nyc.gov
Melissa Mark-Viverito           mviverito@council.nyc.gov
Darlene Mealy                     darlene.mealy@council.nyc.gov
Rosie Mendez                      rmendez@council.nyc.gov
JAMES S. ODDO                  joddo@council.nyc.gov
ANNABEL PALMA                 apalma@council.nyc.gov
Domenic M. Recchia, Jr        drecchia@council.nyc.gov
JOEL RIVERA                       Joel.Rivera@council.nyc.gov
Ydanis Rodriguez                 yrodriguez@council.nyc.gov
JAMES SANDERS, Jr             jsanders@council.nyc.gov
LARRY B. SEABROOK            cmseabrook12@yahoo.com
ERIC ULRICH                       eulrich@council.nyc.gov
JAMES VACCA                      jvacca@council.nyc.gov
JIMMY VAN BRAMER             jvanbramer@council.nyc.gov
ALBERT VANN                      avann@council.nyc.gov
Mark Weprin                        MWeprin@Council.NYC.gov
RUBEN WILLS                      Ruben.Wills@council.nyc.gov




Stand up for safe cycling, today.



Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson